Sips & Sippy Cups: Local Wineries Welcome All

Portlanders love their spirits. So, say, “Salud”! and toast to the many wineries that now welcome kiddos. There are awesome local and nearby wineries that welcome families to their vineyards and tasting rooms and you might just find that trip to the winery could even become one of your family’s favorite events. Enjoy trying new sips while your kids play and nibble on tasty bites at these local kid-friendly vineyards. Scroll down to find out more.

WillaKenzie EstateHave you ever played Pétanque? Take your family to WillaKenzie Estate and you can all learn together on their two new courts. You can also have a picnic on the patio, on the lawn, or even around the fire pit if it’s a bit cool outside. During the warmer months, WillaKenzie even has food trucks that set up shop for your dining pleasure. The tasting room has a wide selection of red and white wines to suit your palate while the kids enjoy the great outdoors.

Maragas WineryFamily owned and operated, this little slice of heaven is located in Central Oregon off of Hwy 97. Nestled between Smith Rock and the Cascade Mountains, the landscape is as stunning making for an idyllic wine-tasting experience. The property has a wide-sweeping lawn area where events are held throughout the year. Lawn games are available for the young ones when they need to get their energy out, and there are delicious snacks— including a wide array of meats and cheeses— to nibble on when appetites grow. Keep an eye out for their year-round events. There’s plenty of fun to be had throughout the year. Last year’s festivities included a Father’s Day Feast and throughout the summer months you are likely to have the opportunity to listen to live music on their lawn.

Stoller Family EstateStoller is truly a family-friendly winery. With broad, green lawns to run and play, an on-site Frisbee golf course for the big kids, a playground for the littles, and even a tire swing, your family won’t want to go home! And with Stoller’s varieties of crisp, flavorful wines, you won’t want to, either. Try the refreshing stainless steel Chardonnay, or maybe you prefer a dry Rosé. And don’t forget to sample their most famous variety, the Pinot Noir. I suggest the Dundee Pinot, bold and well-rounded, just like our beautiful state!

Brooks WineryThe Brooks Winery rose out of tragedy when its owner, Jimi Brooks, passed away unexpectedly in 2004, leaving the winery to his son, Pascal, then only 8 years old. Maybe it’s no surprise, then, that the winery is particularly accommodating to families with children. There are various fun activities to keep the kiddos busy while you enjoy your tastings, including cornhole, darts, and a lovely picnic area. While you can’t bring outside food, the winery has a nice selection of snacks and box lunches to satiate small appetites.

The staff will serve lemonade so the wee ones can taste along with you, and afterward you can all play a game of badminton to give you some energy for the drive home. The tasting room is also a convenient 15 minutes from the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum and the Evergreen Wings & Waves Waterpark, both located on the Museum Campus in McMinnville, making it a perfect day trip for the family. Of course, we know this day won’t be all about the kids! Brooks offers an assortment of Oregon’s signature variety, Pinot Noir, and they also continue to produce award-winning Rieslings, a passion of Brooks’ founder.

Van DuzerSpend an afternoon sipping wine and hiking with your little outdoor enthusiasts. Located next to the Baskett Slough, a national wildlife refuge, Van Duzer offers and opportunity for you to imbibe on their fruit-forward wines while your kiddos catch a glimpse of the local wildlife including birds and breathtaking butterflies. You can pick up a trail map at their tasting room while you try the pinot noir and pinot gris and then explore the refuge’s many paths.

Alloro VineyardIf you’d really like to take a family trip to Italy, try visiting Alloro Vineyard instead. This inviting villa in the country will make you feel like a welcome house guest. Grab a glass of Pinot or a crisp Chardonnay, and take the kiddos out to stroll among the cypress trees, or take a tour through the vineyards and around the Italian herb garden. The friendly vineyard dog will chase sticks from your littles all afternoon, while you relax and absorb the ambiance rurale.

Grape EscapesToursAs you can see, family-friendly wine tasting in the Willamette Valley is no problem! If you know some other families that want to go along, there are even family-friendly tours available. Grape Escapes offers a variety of private and joinable tours, and they can craft your trip just the way you want it. They welcome kids, and are knowledgeable about which wineries will be the best for you. So, don’t be afraid to take your whole family along on your next vineyard tour, they might just have as much fun as you do!